McLaren racing director Eric Boullier says the team is using the 2014 car as “a laboratory” for next year's Honda-powered design.

Honda will return to F1 with as an engine supplier to McLaren in 2015 as the team switches from its current Mercedes power unit. Despite such a change under the bodywork, Boullier says it doesn't require a complete redesign of the car to incorporate a new engine and a lot of work that the team is doing this year will be carrying over on to next season's car.

“If you remember the regulation the pick-up points are the same for the chassis and the gearbox actually,” Boullier said. “So we are developing the car and we are going to keep developing the car for a long time actually.

“Most of the upgrades on this car will be carrying over to next year's car. So that is why we are using this car as let's say a laboratory for next year.”

And Boullier revealed that the biggest updates to the current MP4-29 would be seen in the three races after the mid-season break.

“Spa we have a significant upgrade, and then another one in Singapore.”

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I thought they were supposed to be trying to win races, did they tell Button that this season was going to be used just for research? no of course not Boullier is just doing what he does best "Bullshitting" in an effort to cover up yet another below average season. It is highly likely that next season will be even worse for Mclaren as with a new engine and yet another crap chassis there will be no hiding place. Button would be better off out of it and F1. He has plenty of money and does pretty well in Triathlons, has a lovely lady and can't really need the hassle of driving uncompetitive cars year in year out.